Chargers Sign Former Falcons Archer, Miller

Quarterback David Archer and offensive tackle Brett Miller, both former Atlanta Falcons, signed with the Chargers Monday, reuniting them with Coach Dan Henning.

Archer, 27, joined the Falcons as a free agent in 1984 and started 22 games in 1985 and '86 under Henning, but was released after the '87 season. His best season was 1986, when he passed for 2,007 yards and 10 touchdowns in 11 games. Archer led NFL quarterbacks in rushing in 1985 with 347 yards.

"We anticipate David Archer to come in and compete for the starting role and we expect to see the qualities we saw in him when he was winning with Atlanta," Henning said.

Archer was 331 of 647 for 4,275 yards and 18 touchdowns in four years with Atlanta. Archer was on the Washington Redskins active roster for four games last season and played in one.

Miller was left unprotected after playing six seasons for the Falcons. He started four of 15 games at right tackle last season. He is the fourth unprotected free agent signed by the Chargers.

Miller is 6-feet-7, 300 pounds and one of the strongest men in the NFL with a reported bench press of 550 pounds. Miller, 30, was a fifth-round draft pick in 1983 by Atlanta and started 36 of 68 career games for the Falcons.

"Miller started three years for Atlanta and we expect him to get into the mix and compete for the starting right tackle position," Henning said.